Most school levies defeated in Stark County

Tax issues for area school districts were failing for the most part late Tuesday with Canton Local, Marlington, Massillon and Louisville school districts unable to convince voters they need more money.

By Lisa Reicosky

Times Reporter

By Lisa Reicosky

Posted Nov. 7, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Nov 7, 2012 at 7:05 AM

By Lisa Reicosky

Posted Nov. 7, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Nov 7, 2012 at 7:05 AM

Tax issues for area school districts were failing for the most part early Wednesday with Canton Local, Marlington, Massillon and Louisville school districts unable to convince voters they need more money.

For Canton Local, it may mean the district will not get a new high school. The $36 million, 30-year bond issue was being defeated by 83 votes as of 1 a.m. Wednesday.

That doesn’t include paper ballots cast on Tuesday, some absentee ballots and provisional ballots.

“I am both saddened and disappointed in the community’s decision,” Superintendent Kim Redmond said Tuesday night. “The Campaign Committee worked tirelessly to communicate the message that the need was real and the time was now. We communicated in multiple ways to all segments of the community. Tonight’s vote signifies the wishes of this community to not have updated educational facilities for our children or our community.”

Redmond said she is not yet sure how the district will proceed. Many “no” voters said the district should repair the current building, a feat administrators say will be impossible considering the condition of the 80-year-old facilities.

“We will meet to discuss the next steps,” Redmond said.

Marlington, too, was unable to pass its bond issue. The 7.4-mill, 30-year bond was to fund the district’s 57 percent share needed to build new schools. The state would have funded the rest.

Superintendent Joe Knoll had hoped to provide students with a 21st century learning environment. He said the 43 percent offered by the state is locked in until August of 2013.

“We will reassess where we are,” said Knoll Tuesday night when roughly 3,700 votes had been counted. It was losing by a 60 to 40 percent margin at 1 a.m. “We’re hoping the numbers turn around.”

Joyce Cathey voted against the bond issue. “I think they ask for too much and don’t do what they’re supposed to with it. I’m retired on a limited income, so increases are difficult,” she said.

But Marlington voters approved the district’s request to renew an 8.5-mill, five-year operating levy, for which Knoll was grateful.

“I’d like to thank the community,” Knoll said. “This allows us to continue the good programs and curriculum we have now.”

As of 1. a.m. today, the 5.9-mill property tax for Louisville Schools was failing by 207 votes. It would have generated $2 million annually over its five-year life cycle.

Without additional funding, the school system is facing a general fund deficit of about $2.2 million during the fiscal year, which starts July 1.

Superintendent David Redd said he is encouraged that his district had closed the gap between this election and the one in August where 60 percent of voters said no.

“We definitely educated the community about what’s at stake,” he said, and should the levy fail, he said, they will go forward with staff and busing cuts, and other cost-saving measures.

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“This is the closest we’ve come in a November election in 20 years,” said Redd, adding that the board planned to discuss another levy, only if the results were close.

Earl Vanus of Nimishillen Township said he voted no because he believes he is taxed too much.

“That’s the problem with government today. They’re taxing us into infinity,” he said.

Massillon School’s 8.1-mill operating levy also was in a dead heat at 1 a.m. with 5,845 votes for the levy and 5,824 against. That doesn’t include paper ballots cast on Tuesday, some absentee ballots and provisional ballots.

Massillon’s five-year forecast is showing a multimillion dollar deficit beginning in 2014 that could hit $10 million by fiscal year 2016.